Contradictions permeated Japanese society

Japan's Cultural Code Words by Boye Lafayette De Menteの中の飴と鞭 (Candy or the Whip) についての説明文に次ぎの記述がありました。
The cultral contradictions demonstrated by the dual attitude of the Japanese toward harmony and peace and the means to achieve them were not limited to matters involving ribalries between clans, or issues of shogunate law, public security, and so on. Contradictions permeated Japanese society in general, just behind the facade of Japan's exquisitely refined etiquette, the extraordinary hospitality extended to guests, and the gentleness and generousity of the common people, there was a hard core of cruelty lurking in the background.
矛盾は日本とは限らずどこの文化、国にもあると思いますが、日頃世の中に矛盾にが多いと感じていて、指摘すると、タブーとされるような問題もあり、上の記述に接し、同じ様に感じる人もいるのだと安心しました。